Rituals And Public Events As The Connection Between Chaotic And Mythological-Dramatic In Modern Society Cover Image

Rituali i javna događanja kao poveznica kaotičnog i mitološko-dramatskog u suvremenom društvu
Rituals And Public Events As The Connection Between Chaotic And Mythological-Dramatic In Modern Society

Author(s): Nenad Vertovšek
Subject(s): Cultural Essay, Political Essay, Societal Essay
Published by: Zavod za proučavanje kulturnog razvitka
Keywords: Mass; rituals; public events; drama; play; mythology

Summary/Abstract: In the past, rituals, ceremonies, festivals, spectacles, social dramas and mythological symbolism were strenghtening social connections between members of the same clan, tribe or community. In the same time, they were preparing people to solve problems of survival, how to change social regulations and laws in evitable social development. Deeper symbolism of this “journey” of the man through time and space with his rituals and public events represent the moving from Chaos to Logos. Rhytm of social activities and human consciousness needs harmonising and control of constant changes of thoughts and emotions. Social dramatising, public events, also secret rituals and ceremonies are moderating the consequences of this transfer from archaic and mythical man to “new” rational and logical member of social order. The concept of game and playing helps people and society to meet the problems of traditional and modern rules and regulations. Two basic kinds of rituals and public events are relevant – events-that-model and events-that-represent; these extend social communications and connections between the individuals, and improve or destruct old and new structures of society and political system. The ancient principles of ritualization, mythological symbolism or techniques of magical, religious and social control also live in the modern world, tied to positioning of power and one`s place in the hierarchy of the community. Mythological and ritual symbolism today can be a very strong manipulator and controller of the mass and groups, but also can facilitate the change of unnatural or inequitable social relationship. Modern social and political experience can be enriched and improved with the mythological symbolism and ritual interpretations, it can help us to overcome our perception of contradiction between the rational and irrational world in ourselves and around us.

  • Issue Year: 2010
  • Issue No: 126/2
  • Page Range: 24-40
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Croatian